Joe Kinnear: I need four signings

Kinnear insists at least four new signings are urgently required in the New Year to safeguard the club’s Premier League status – but his plea could fall on deaf ears.

Owner Mike Ashley is trying to sell the trouble-torn club and has already declared he won’t be investing any more of his own cash.

That is a recipe for disaster, especially if no buyer comes along and Newcastle suffer an injury crisis.

Despite Kinnear guiding the team to successive wins last week, defeat at Fulham has left the Toon in the relegation zone.

However, the interim boss is confident they can climb out of trouble, but only if his best players stay fit.

“If we pick up injuries, we struggle,” he said. “That is our Achilles heel.

“If two or three key players hit the wall, we can’t really replace them and that is something that should be addressed as we come to the next transfer window.”

Kinnear reckons Newcastle’s first XI is a match for anyone, but has misgivings about the overall strength of his squad. “It’s the underbelly of the side that needs to be addressed,” he added.

“If we can keep our best team together, then we are a far better, stronger side.

“We have got players who are prepared to come in and give plenty of effort but that haven’t got the same sort of ability.”

Kinnear has been unable to call on either Mark Viduka or Alan Smith during his time in the hot-seat, while England striker Michael Owen is only just returning from a groin injury.

The 61-year-old has already drawn up his own list of potential transfer targets, but admits he doesn’t know whether he will still be in charge – or, if he is, whether he’ll be given any funds for player recruitment.